Ophthalmic Assistant Certified

Participates in the care and treatment of eye care patients utilizing skills unique to optometry and ophthalmology. Demonstrates accountability to patients, peers and other health team members through positive customer relations and effective communication. Cares for children and adult patients of all ages.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists eye care providers in the exam and treatment of patients.
• Initiates documentation of the patient’s chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings.
• May perform testing to include visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, testing pupil function, tonometry, automated perimetry, evaluation of EOMs (Extra-Ocular Muscle), confrontation visual field testing, and other patient services as requested by the provider.
• May act as a scribe by documenting (on behalf of the provider) all clinically relevant interaction and dialogue during the course of the patient visit.  This will include:  documenting history and exam, entering diagnoses, orders (medications, labs, imaging, consults, etc.), E&M (Evaluation & Management), follow up and patient instructions.  Provides patient education under direction of eye care provider.
• Assists with minor surgery procedures and laser treatments in the office, including application and removal of dressings as directed.
• Inventories and maintains surgical instruments in accordance with system and department standards.
• Completes requests for prescription refills as authorized by provider with full documentation in patient chart.
• Screens patients and calls for emergency/urgent situations; obtains pertinent information for provider.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent

EXPERIENCE

• Two years' eye care experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication.
• Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
• Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
• Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
• Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/moving patients.
• Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
• Occasional driving.